Abstract: Vending machines, in particular to vending machines for vending discrete products, such as confectionery (sweets and candies). Described is a vending machine for dispensing discrete products, wherein the vending machine comprises at least one storage container for products to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly in communication with the storage container; wherein the storage container includes a plurality of baffles to support products within the container and direct flow of products from the storage container to the dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing cylinder mounted for rotation within the machine and the dispensing assembly includes indexing means adapted to cause stepwise rotation of the dispensing cylinder. Preferably, the indexing means comprises at least one indexing disc associated with the dispensing cylinder and the dispensing assembly further comprises an actuator arm associated with the or each indexing disk, the actuator arm being mounted for reciprocal motion.

Abstract: A system for cashless payment of goods or services is provided which includes at least one payment unit disposed in at least one automat or machine, having at least one transmitting/receiving unit for short range communication; a processing unit; and a memory, wherein the automat or machine is connected to one or more other automats or machines via a short range communication means, at least one mobile device also having a transmitting/receiving device for both short range communication and long range communication, a processing unit and a memory. Many other detailed configurations, functionalities, systems, processes and alternatives thereto are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes: a product housing rack including product housing shelves each including a product housing path, and a product discharger; a first stopper configured to be movable between a protrusion position and a retract position, and to tilt such that a free end side of a holding portion is positioned at a product discharge port; a second stopper configured to be movable between a retract position and a protrusion position, and to press a vending product when protruding; a link configured to move each of the first and the second stopper to the protrusion and the retract position; and a driver configured to drive the link, wherein the second stopper includes ribs formed on a surface facing the product housing path, the ribs being configured to extend from a base end part toward a holding portion of the second stopper.

Abstract: A device for separating a lowermost sheet from a stack, having a hopper for holding the stack and a pushing device arranged underneath the hopper and having a pushing element capable of being moved linearly back and forth, of which the pushing edge is movable relative to the bearing plane of the stack in the hopper, wherein the projection for positive conveying of this pushing edge changes with respect to the bearing plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for an Automated Teller Machine to issue a secured bank card. An Automated Teller Machine to issue a secured bank card includes one or more memories storing instructions and one or more processors configured to execute instruction to perform operations.

Abstract: A mobile self-vending beverage dispenser is disclosed. In embodiments, the dispenser includes a mobile housing divided into segmented sections. Each segmented section includes an outlet at the bottom for dispensing canned beverages and an access hatch for loading canned beverages into the segmented section. Each segmented section includes a vertical staggered raceway extending from the access hatch the outlet via which the segmented section is loaded with canned beverages, the cans traveling in a gravity-assisted path downward to the outlet for dispensing upon request.

Abstract: Embodiments of product handling systems facilitate transfer of individual product items from incoming bulk form into dedicated trays for inspection, sorting, selection, and packaging. Inspection may comprise interrogation of product items within a tray by electromagnetic (e.g., optical, hyperspectral) or other (e.g., physical, acoustic, gas sensing, etc.) techniques. Prior to packaging, product items disposed within the tray may be stored in a moveable carousel responsible for controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, illumination, ambient gases, product-to-product interactions, and/or others. Movement of product items from a carousel's transfer station to an outside staging position may be accomplished using robots and/or conveyor belts. Embodiments may allow rapid, low-cost consumer selection of specific individual product items based upon their accompanying metadata (e.g., source, identifier), in combination with the results of inspection (e.g., visual appearance).

Abstract: Systems and methods for administration of small volume sufentanil drug dosage forms to the sublingual mucosa of a subject using a device are disclosed. The dispensing device includes a lock-out feature and a means to retard or prevent saliva and/or moisture ingress such that the drug dosage forms in the device remain dry prior to administration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.

Abstract: An automated vending machine for vending, accepting returns for, and restocking, vendible products. Vendible products are stored on moveable trays, resting on a shelving system, and are transported within the automated vending machine by a gantry system and dispensing unit. The shelving system and moveable trays can be adjusted to accommodate vendible products of varying shape, size, weight, and durability. The moveable trays are gravity fed forward into position for being coupled with the dispensing unit when selected. A supplementary storage area for restocking products and storing returned products is included.

Abstract: The sports ball storage device is configured for use in storing one or more balls. The sports ball storage device attaches to a vertical surface. The sports ball storage device dispenses a ball selected from the one or more balls. The sports ball storage device comprises a cage, a door, and a plurality of mounting brackets. The plurality of mounting brackets attach the cage to the vertical surface. The door attaches to the cage. The cage is a hollow cylindrical openwork structure that attaches to the vertical surface such that the center axis of the cylindrical openwork structure is parallel to the force of gravity. The one or more balls are placed into the cage through the superior end of the hollow cylindrical openwork structure. The one or more balls are dispensed through the door of the sports ball storage device.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the time spent on inserting postal objects in and discharging them from a parcel terminal and a parcel terminal comprising at least one storage space with multiple compartments within the parcel terminal for loading and storing postal objects on movable trays; an insertion and discharge area with one or more insertion and discharge slots equipped with a door, and a control unit; a loading mechanism for transporting postal objects from the insertion and discharge area to the storage space of postal objects and from the storage space to the insertion and discharge area.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser includes a hollow housing having a front surface, a rear surface, and two opposing hinged side doors that provide selective access to an interior tissue chamber. Each side door includes a dispensing slot through which a tissue is dispensed from the tissue chamber. On the rear surface are a pair of spring-biased, V-shaped clamps for releasably gripping a side edge of a passenger seat. Accordingly, when the housing is secured to the vehicle passenger seat, a tissue can be removed from either slot, thereby providing easy access by a passenger sealed within either the front or rear seats.

Abstract: A modular vending machine is provided. The modular vending machine can include a central module having a pickup area and one or more product storage cabinets.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery dispenser having a base and a cartridge is described. The cartridge may be slideable relative to the base. In some embodiments, the base has a base dispensing mechanism and the cartridge has a cartridge dispensing mechanism configured to mate with the base dispensing mechanism. In some embodiments, when the base and cartridge dispensing mechanisms mate, the cutlery dispenser is configured to dispense cutlery located within the cartridge one piece of cutlery at a time.

Abstract: A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics.

Abstract: A method for controlling medicament dispensing from a cassette moved from a mount for the cassette includes mounting the cassette fully on the mount, the cassette being loaded with bulk-form medicaments, generating a first signal indicating that the cassette is fully mounted, enabling operation of the cassette responsive to the first signal, unmounting the cassette at least partially from the mount, generating a second signal indicating that the cassette has been at least partially unmounted, and disabling further operation of the cassette responsive to the second signal even if the cassette is fully remounted. The method may include also generating a third signal indicating that the cassette is ready for further dispensing of medicaments, remounting the cassette fully on the mount, generating the first signal indicating that the cassette is fully remounted, and enabling further operation of the cassette responsive to the first and third signals after disabling further operation of the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, warming and manually individually dispensing elongated cylindrical vials having different contents, while minimizing error and clutter, is described. Vials are stored in bins, which have manually operated dispensing members. Each bin may be separately heated using small incandescent bulbs or other heating elements. Adjustable temperature sensors may be placed in each bin to permit separate temperature control, and provide a high-temperature cutoff. One embodiment of the apparatus may be wall mounted to relieve congestion on horizontal surfaces. Another embodiment is suitable for table use, and has a reduced profile for clutter reduction.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for joining the ends of strips with two or more surfaces arranged flat on top of each other, more particularly metal sheets that can be coiled, in order to draw these successively through a treatment or machining system. It is provided that the strip ends are joined by means of a plurality of eyelets arranged essentially transversally to the strip direction, wherein initially all holes are simultaneously punched in a first stroke and then all eyelets are pressed in a second stroke. The device has a clamping device and a machining unit, which has a working tool with a plurality of punching and pressing tools, wherein the working tool and a die are displaceable by the distance between two neighboring individual tools and wherein above the punching and pressing tools, a pressing device is provided.

Abstract: A product display displays bottles each suspended by its neck. The apparatus is usually a rack display with several shelf frames that each has a number of sliding bottle support structures with left and right slide structures spaced laterally so as to define a slot of substantially uniform width over at least a lengthwise portion of the slide structures. That width is such that the necks of the bottles extend upwardly through the slot and a widened portion of the bottle's neck rests on both the slide structures and slides forward and rearward. The left and right slide structures in the lengthwise portion are inclined forwardly and downwardly at a downward angle relative to level that is in a range of 3 to 7 degrees. Friction between the bottles and the slide structures is low enough that the bottles, by virtue of their weight, slide forwardly on the slide structures.

Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.

Abstract: An inventory control system comprising a dispensing module; a horizontal blocking bar proximate the front portion of the dispensing module; a dispensing module sliding base comprising having a roll pin affixed thereto, and a right side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto; a left rocker arm and a right rocker arm each having a slot; and wherein the roll pin of the left side wall passes through the slot of the left rocker arm and the roll pin of the right side wall passes through the slot of the right rocker arm.

Abstract: A product retrieval system for vending machines that permits collection of varying size products at a first level yet presents such products for collection at a raised height to make retrieval more convenient. The retrieval system utilizes a rotary hopper that includes an actual bottom as well as a technical or false bottom that does not lower the depth of the rotary hopper in its ability to receive dispensed product on the actual bottom, with the technical bottom presenting the product to a higher retrieval point relative to the floor upon rotation of the rotary hopper to an open condition.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus of capsules to a brewing device of an automatic beverage vending machine; the feeding apparatus comprising two stores for respective types of capsules; an outlet device, common to the two stores, to feed the capsules to the brewing device; and, for each store, dispensing means of the respective capsules one by one; and orientating means configured to give the capsules a determined final orientation before they are dispensed to the brewing device; the feeding apparatus also comprising detecting means to detect whether or not a capsule is present inside the outlet device; and control means for stopping the dispensing means of both stores and preventing further capsules from being dispensed in response to a capsule-presence signal emitted by the detecting means.

Abstract: A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member (42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).

Abstract: A vending machine is provided that includes an enclosure having at least two bin elements, each structured to store an article. A customer selection element is accessible by a customer to select the article from one of the bin elements. A currency receiver element is structured to receive a currency for purchasing the article. A second enclosure is also included, and has additional bin elements, with the second enclosure selectively attachable and detachable to the first enclosure, such that when the second enclosure is attached to the first enclosure, the customer selection element allows a customer to select an article from one of the at least two additional bin elements. A light assembly is coupled to a bottom surface of both enclosures, the light assembly having several visible-light emitting elements, and arranged to illuminate an area directly adjacent to the bottom surface of the enclosures.

Abstract: A system and method for discharging a selected product into a dispensing chamber of a vending machine are provided. In the system and method of this disclosure, a selected product from a vending machine is received in a product delivery cup. The product delivery cup is moved to a dispensing chamber of the vending machine. Near the dispensing chamber, the product delivery cup moves in a horizontal direction which causes or activates a delivery cup sleeve within the product delivery cup to pivot or move from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The dispensing position of the delivery cup sleeve releases the selected product from the delivery cup sleeve to the dispensing chamber where a consumer is able to access the selected product.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dispensing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus can include a plurality of card hopper assemblies arranged in an array of two or more vertical columns, each column including two or more card hopper assemblies. Each card hopper assembly can include a card hopper configured to hold a vertical stack of horizontally oriented cards. Each card hopper assembly can further include a card ejector assembly configured to eject the bottom-most card from each card stack. The card dispenser can further include a movable card carriage that can be selectively positioned to receive a card from any of the card hoppers and read information from the card before dispensing the card to a customer.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.

Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed.

Abstract: A preformed liner that expands when filled is provided. In one embodiment, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes that allow the liner to expand. In other embodiments, the preformed liner includes at least a central section that is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material. In still other embodiments, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes and is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: A slat segment is disclosed for use in packaging machines which dispense discrete pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into containers. The slat segment is comprised of a straight elongated bar, whose first surface contains a plurality of substantially cylindrical cavities separated by adjacent walls. Discrete products ready for packaging are deposited into contoured intake flutes which guide the pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into the cavities within the slat segment. The products are then dispensed from the slat segment via contoured disposal flutes connected to each cavity, to eventually be deposited into containers being conveyed proximate the packaging machine. Salient thermal radiation blocks are arranged along a second surface of the slat segment, along with thermal radiation webs, which facilitate conduction of thermal radiation away from the slat segment. The slat segment thereby maintains maximum strength and stability and minimizes necessary maintenance of the slat.

Abstract: A medication delivering device includes a delivering unit and a negative pressure unit. The delivering unit includes a cylinder, a retractable part and a tip element. The cylinder has a first opening and a second opening. The retractable part connects the cylinder with the tip element. The tip element has a first end, a second end and a channel. The first end passes through the first opening and is received within the cylinder. The second end is located at an outlet of a pill container. The channel penetrates from the first end to the second end to link with the interior of the cylinder. The negative pressure unit connects to the second opening for providing negative pressure to the interior of the cylinder and the channel of the tip element, so that the tip element sucks up a pill on the outlet of the pill container.

Abstract: A cutlery utensil dispenser having at least one utensil compartment and a dispensing mechanism is disclosed. Each utensil compartment is so dimensioned and configured to house a stack of utensils. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive member in operable communication with at least one driven member, each driven member being associated with a respective one of the compartments. Actuation of the drive member causes simultaneous actuation of each driven member that causes a utensil to be dispensed from each compartment in repeatable succession one at a time. Also disclosed is a cutlery utensil dispenser having an electric motor in operable communication with the dispensing mechanism, and a controller in operable communication with the motor. The controller includes a processing circuit responsive to computer executable instructions which when executed on the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of a utensil from the utensil compartment by operation of the motor on command.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A medication cabinet that includes at least one drawer, a drive mechanism, and a drawer latching mechanism, is disclosed. The drawer includes a slider, and a container that includes a receptacle and a lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The container also includes a fastener to fasten the lid to the receptacle. The slider maintains the lid in the closed position when at least a portion of the wall is coupled with the fastener, and actuates the lid from the closed position to the open position when the fastener passes through an opening in the wall. The drive mechanism controls longitudinal movement of the slider, and is mounted to the chassis, allowing the drawer to be free of electrical connections with the chassis. When the drive mechanism is not used to move the lid into the open position, longitudinal movement of the slider is inhibited.

Abstract: A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.

Abstract: Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking.

Abstract: The invention is an article vending machine comprising a plurality of article storage compartments covered by displaceable thermal barriers that are opened by an opener. The invention further comprises a cooling unit, an article extractor for extracting selected articles from the storage compartments, and a control center. Each article storage compartment has a displaceable thermal barrier that is opened and closed by an opener. Each displaceable thermal barrier is capable of being opened and closed independently of all other displaceable thermal barriers. During the vending cycle, only the displaceable thermal barrier covering the storage compartment accessed by the article extractor is opened, which prevents ambient air from mixing with cooled air in storage compartments not accessed by the article extractor. If a displaceable thermal barrier cannot be opened because it has frozen shut or the opener has broken, the remaining displaceable thermal barriers with functioning openers still can be opened.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of column walls that collectively define an associated plurality of stack areas for storing product containers. The column wall includes various, vertically spaced and fore-to-aft extending stiffeners embossed into the column wall. The integral stiffeners eliminate the need for any additional discrete stiffener parts and fasteners. In addition, the integral stiffeners advantageously permit thinner material to be employed in forming the column walls, thereby improving the entire manufacturing process. Preferably, one of the stiffeners constitutes a decoupling member which isolates a bottom portion of the column wall from a top portion and substantially prevents bow forces from transferring into a dispensing region of the column wall. Furthermore, each of the column walls is integrally formed with an alignment member or louver structure in the form of a guide element or flange which provides for proper product positioning through a vending area.

Abstract: A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.